It was graduation day in Southport Friday at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, and seven students earned their wings. Each graduation sees one of its grads receive the Portage la Prairie Award for the student displaying the highest degree of professionalism and officer-like qualities in their class. Lieutenant Paul Frankland was this class' recipient.
Reviewing Officer John Alexander says the students completed their culmination of the long and arduous training, with some having studied over three years. He notes they'll go on to the operational level from here. Alexander adds this graduation only included helicopter pilots this time around, and multi-engine students will graduate at a later date.
Scenes from the graduation: